Simple math offers that Tom Brady took less to help the Patriots. Still, teams and agents are looking at the numbers and wonder what else could be going on. Whispers of a side deals already have begun in league circles, even though there is (and likely will be) no proof of a wink-nod arrangement that will see Brady get compensated in other ways. Sides deals aren't unprecedented in pro football. ... At a minimum, agent Don Yee has provided his competitors with more than enough ammunition for the inherently cutthroat game of chasing new clients. At a maximum, teams and agents will probe for something/anything to explain why Tom Brady was willing to sign a contract that pays him so much less than he'll be worth starting two years from now. (Pro Football Talk) Comment

So, Dirk Nowitzki wants to sign another contract in Dallas. How much will Dirk want? Really, the question is, how much of a paycut is Nowitzki willing to take to help Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson try to construct a contender-quality roster? "Well, I think it's a little too early to look, honestly," Nowitzki said. "Basically the last couple of times, there was not much negotiating going on. It was, 'Give me money and I'll stay,' right? I gave him a little discount last time." ... Based purely on his production this season, Nowitzki is arguably one of the NBA's most overpaid players at $20.9 million and is due another $22.7 million in the final year of his deal next season. (ESPN Dallas) Comment

Credit Zack Greinke for his honesty, which may or may not serve him well in the future. Doesn't have it in him to lie. Just can't do it. He tells you flat out his free agency was about the money, first and foremost. Others claim it isn't, but they're fibbing. ... [Money] in free agency, to him, was no small thing. "It's obviously the No. 1 thing," Greinke said. "I could play for the worst team if they paid the most ... If the last place team offers $200 million and the first-place team offers $10, I'm going to go for the $200-million no matter what team it was." ... [The Dodgers and Rangers] made final offers that were said by two different people in the know to have been either "similar" or "very close." (CBS Sports) Comment